In turn, the City of Tampa presented the key to the Ybor City Museum Society in a ceremonial event at the Ybor City Muse

um State Park Garden on September 23.

Several community leaders spoke during the event to show support of the project, including City of Tampa Council Chair Charlie Miranda, FDOT District 7 ROW administrator of property management Bill Scott, Ybor City Museum Society Board Chair Stephen M. Barbas, and Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner.

Commissioner Beckner said that he envisions the museum will “welcome home” the “sons” of Tampa baseball, such as Lou Piniella, Luis Gonzalez and Wade Boggs.

The rehabilitation process will transform the structure from a house into a museum. The facade will be kept largely intact, with significant construction in the interior of the home.

Last month we introduced the founding members of our project team. Four more passionate individuals have stepped forward to dedicate their time and expertise to this important effort. Stephanie Agliano, Committee MemberStephanie Agliano is a Tampa native whose family owned Agliano & Sons Fish Co., which was located in Ybor City for 90 years. Growing up in Ybor, she watched her father support Ybor City, and now she gives back to the community to carry on his legacy.

“The museum will bring a new reason for people to come to Ybor. Baseball’s an all American sport and everyone loves it. The museum could be a change agent in Ybor City.” Diana Almeida, Ybor City Museum Society MemberThis project brings together two of Diana Almeida’s passions: baseball and Ybor City. Baseball has been a part of Diana’s life for decades – her late husband, Daniel Almeida, played in the Minor Leagues from 1954-56 and they continued to follow the sport when he retired from the game. Growing up in Ybor City, Diana’s father owned a barber shop on 7th Avenue and she has been involved in the Ybor City Museum Society since its inception in 1982.

“I got involved with the Museum Society to keep alive the stories and events I witnessed growing up in Ybor City.”

Simon Canasi, Committee MemberA financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, Simon Canasi is an avid sports collector whose interests include Tampa- and Cuban-born Major Leaguers. Simon has an extensive Al Lopez collection; some of these items are included in Béisbol: Tampa’s Love of the Game, currently on display at Ybor City Museum State Park.

“The museum will bring a great sense of history to Ybor and Tampa Bay – I also hope it brings awareness and encourages more kids to get involved in organized baseball.”

Herman Lazzara, Ybor City Museum Society Board MemberHerman Lazzara has been on the Ybor City Museum Society Board for the past year. Born and raised in Tampa, Herman works as a CPA and is a shareholder with local accounting firm Rivero, Gordimer & Company, where he works with several nonprofits in the Tampa Bay area.

“My father’s upbringing in Ybor and my Hispanic/Italian background drew me to this project. This gives me the opportunity to learn more about his heritage and my roots.”

Herman’s father played in the Inter-social league, primarily for the Italian team.

The Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House is being developed by the Ybor City Museum Society, a nonprofit organization that preserves and promotes Ybor City’s cultural heritage and supports the Ybor City Museum State Park.